Family rules. We all have them in one form or another. One of them could be saying “please” and “thank you.” Another could be always telling the truth. Or, always keeping your promises. Some other family rules you should prioritize are related to safety.
From setting the alarm when you leave to storing guns and valuables in a safe, there are certain precautions everyone in the family (even children) must take when it comes to home security. Here are four rules to live by.
1. Store Weapons In a Safe
If you own a firearm or knives, get a gun safe. It’s that simple. A gun that’s out in the open or not stored securely can be found by minors and is a prime target for thieves. According to Injury Facts, there were 458 preventable gun-related deaths in 2018. The number of accidental gun-related injuries is even higher. You can prevent an injury or death from happening at your house by making it a family rule to always store weapons in a safe (and only adults should know any passcodes).
2. Don’t Open the Door for Strangers
Peepholes are losing popularity to doorbell cameras these days, but the fact remains: don’t open the door for strangers if you’re alone, especially if you’re a child. Con artists and criminals can disguise themselves as delivery drivers, electricians and even police officers. When you reveal how many people are (or aren’t) at home, it puts you in a vulnerable position. Open the door only if you know the person or can verify their identity. Otherwise, it’s not worth it.
3. Set the Alarm When You Leave
You can also make it a family rule to set the alarm when you leave the house and nobody’s home. This can become an easy habit even for children if you do it often enough. Setting the alarm protects your home and your valuables. Also make sure you have stickers or signs that show you have an alarm system to help deter would-be home invaders. If you don’t have a security system, it might be a good time to invest in one.
4. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Finally, make sure you have emergency numbers like poison control, plumbers and locksmiths handy. Teach your children how to call 911 if there’s a life-threatening event and even have them memorize these emergency lines and the numbers of trusted personal contacts, if possible. Keep these numbers in a prominent place, such as the refrigerator. You never know when you might need them.
If you’re in need of a residential locksmith to help you improve your home security, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.
